Sweet Viburnum – Viburnum sinensis

Sweet Viburnum | Evergreen versatile shrub

The Sweet Viburnum is a fast-growing evergreen shrub popular in South African landscapes for its fine white spring flowers, lush broad foliage and adaptability. It makes an excellent choice for hedges, screens, borders or stand-alone feature planting.

Plant Care

Sun: Full sun is ideal for best growth and flowering; tolerates light to partial shade in hotter or exposed spots.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil; thrives in loamy or compost-enriched beds. In hot, dry zones ensure good root-zone moisture.
Water: Moderate – water well during establishment; mature plants develop good resilience but appreciate deep watering in extended dry spells.
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering keeps the shape tidy; can be trimmed as a formal hedge or allowed to form a dense shrub.
Top tip: Excellent for fast screening – plant in double rows for a lush green backdrop, then lightly shape once mature.

Specifications

Botanical name: Viburnum sinensis
Common name: Sweet Viburnum
Growth habit: Upright, dense evergreen shrub or small tree if left untrimmed
Size: Typically ±2-4 m H × ±2-3 m W in garden conditions (size dependent on pruning and site)
Flowering: White clusters of fragrant flowers in spring, followed in some climates by subtle berries or fruiting habit.
Uses: Hedges, screens, mixed borders, specimen shrubs, garden structure.

Quick Facts

• Fast-growing evergreen with lush foliage and spring blossom.
• Ideal for creating privacy screens or backdrop hedges.
• Tolerant of a range of conditions — a solid choice for long-term landscape use.